Israel Adesanya and Jorge Masvidal Bag Awards-More Surprise Names Included at World MMA Awards

The winners of the 12th World MMA Awards were recently announced. This award holds a special validation as fighters vote for their fellow fighters. Fighters from January 2019 to July 2020 are considered for the voting system.

There were some notably expected winners like Israel Adesanya, Jorge Masvidal, Amanda Nunes, and more. Here we take a look at the list of winners.

List of the winners

Fighter of the year/International Fighter of the Year: Israel Adesanya

Israel Adesanya captured the undisputed middleweight gold at UFC 243 when he defeated Robert Whittaker. He also made a successful defense of his title in that time span against Yoel Romero at UFC 248.

Female fighter of the year: Amanda Nunes

Nunes knocked out Holly Holm and made two successful defenses of her title with decision wins over Germaine de Randamie and Felicia Spencer in the timespan. She had an incredible run and won the award deservingly.

Breakthrough fighter of the year: Jorge Masvidal

Jorge Masvidal had 2019 like no other fighter. First, he knocked out Darren Till in the Brit’s home soil. Then “Gamebred” went onto set the record for the fastest knockout in UFC history (5 seconds) as he landed a flying knee on Ben Askren. The at UFC 244, Masvidal main evented at Madison Square Garden against Nate Diaz and subsequently became the inaugural BMF champion.

Fight of the year: Zhang Weili vs Joanna Jedrzejczyk (UFC 248)

Weili Zhang and Joanna Jedrzejczyk fought an all-time classic at UFC 248. The two ladies were left bloodied and battle-scarred. In the end, the Chinese Zhang managed to get the win by a split decision over her counter-part.

Knockout of the year: Jorge Masvidal vs Ben Askren

Submission of the year: Demian Maia vs Ben Askren

Comeback of the year: Stipe Miocic vs Daniel Cormier (UFC 241)

Daniel Cormier vs Stipe Miocic 2 at UFC 241 was an all-time classic. While Cormier dominated the early rounds, Miocic put together an incredible comeback. He tweaked his gameplan and hurt Cormier with body shots. Eventually, the Cleveland firefighter got a knockout victory.

Upset of the year: Alexander Volkanovski vs Max Holloway (UFC 245)

Coach of the year: Trevor Wittman

Trainer of the year: Phil Daru

Gym of the year: American Top Team

Referee of the year: Herb Dean

Ringcard girl of the year: Brittney Palmer

Leading man: Dana White (UFC)

Best promotion: UFC

Personality of the year: Joe Rogan

Analyst of the year: Daniel Cormier

MMA journalist of the year: Ariel Helwani

Fighting spirit of the year: Dustin Poirier (The Good Fight Foundation)

Among notable nominees who didn’t win were Justin Gaethje, Douglas Lima, Brent Primus, Cody Garbrandt, and Sean O’Malley.

Jorge Masvidal and Israel Adesanya won multiple awards

‘Gamebred’ and ‘The Last Stylebender’ had their efforts recognized as both of them won multiple awards. The two of them had some fantastic showings, as Masvidal’s career came into prominence more than ever. Furthermore, Israel Adesanya toppled Robert Whittaker to become the undisputed middleweight king.

What do you make of the winners of the Global MMA awards? Did you think any fighter was more deserving than the eventual winner? Let us know in the comments.